Single Line Working

When one line of a a double line becomes blocked, SLW by pilot allows trains to travel over the other line in either direction.

Red armband with PILOT written in white on the left arm.

By signals where possible

By hand signals

By pilot, signaller's agent and intermediate handsignallers, under instruction from signaller.

Train movements in the wrong direction will be controlled by handsignals, except where it is possible for shunting or position light signals to be worked.

An intermediate handsignaller will be positioned at:

• an intermediate signal box which is open.

• where the single line working section is divided on a track circuit block line.

Unless there is a main aspect or stop signal which applies to trains leaving the single line at the crossover:

An end of degraded working sign will be placed at the end of the

section, opposite the signal protecting the crossover where trains

return to the proper line. See image of sign at end of page.

A signaller's agent will be positioned in a place where they have a

good line of sight to the end of degraded working sign.

If there is no end of degraded working sign and no main aspect or stop signal, a Pilot must travel with every train over the single line in the wrong direction.

If there is a main aspect or stop signal

If there is a signal for the movement, you can proceed when the signal is cleared.

If there is an end of degraded working sign

If the crossover where the train is to return to the proper line is facing to the movement, you must:

• stop at the end of degraded working sign

• get the signaller's permission for your train to pass the end of degraded working sign to proceed over the crossover.

If the crossover is trailing to the movement, you must:

• stop at the end of degraded working sign

• ask the signaller for instructions about how far the train can proceed forward.

If there is no main aspect signal or end of degraded working sign

If there is no signal or end of degraded working sign, the pilot will travel with you and will tell you to stop the train opposite the signal which applies to the obstructed line protecting the crossover where trains return to the proper line.

• Identify the pilot, who will wear the PILOT armband

• Clearly understand all instructions the pilot has given you

• Have authority to enter the single line

• Receive the SLW ticket RT3193 (other than in circumstances below)

• Assisting a failed train

• Evacuating passengers from a failed train

• Removing a portion of a divided train

• Removing a train that has proceeded without authority

• Working to and from point of obstruction

Unless a main aspect or stop signal is provided, during poor visibility

there must be :

• an end of degraded working sign at the point where trains are required to stop before being authorised to proceed back to the proper line

• a signaller's agent in a place where they have good line of sight to the end of degraded working sign

• a pilot travelling on every train through the single line working section.

Unworked points must be secured and padlocked and a green flag placed beside them.

• Over which line SLW applies, and between which crossovers.

• The location of any intermediate handsignaller.

• If a main aspect or stop signal will be used to control movements back to the proper line.

• The location of the end of degraded working sign placed where the train must stop before being authorised to proceed back to the proper line.

• Level crossing arrangements.

• Points and crossings arrangements, including location of any unworked points.

• Temporary or emergency speed restrictions.

If there is no signal or end of degraded working sign at the end of the SLW section.

When working to and from a point of obstruction (No RT3193 required).

Obey signals.

Normal speed, unless restrictions in place. 

Normal speed over points unless you are the first train over the SLW section, or you have passed a signal at danger.

• Tell the guard

• Obey handsignals and position lights

• Maximum 50mph (or permitted speed if lower)

• Follow instructions regarding points and crossings - 15 or 50mph

• Disregard signals on other line

• Follow pilot's instructions re crossings

• Return to proper line via main aspect signal, signaller's authority (where there is an end of degraded working sign) or pilot's instruction

• Only pass signals at danger when authorised by signaller, pilot or handsignaller

• Pilotman to accompany if no main aspect signal or end of degraded working sign at exit

• Normal use of warning horn (wrong direction horn code removed December 2024)

Not to exceed 15mph over entry and exit points.

If the points are mechanically operated, unworked or power-operated but not secured and padlocked:

• approach at caution and check in the correct position 

• not to exceed 15 mph over them. 

If power-operated points have been secured and padlocked, then the first train must: 

• approach at caution and check in the correct position 

• not to exceed 15 mph over them. 

Subsequent trains may proceed at up to 50 mph or the permitted speed.

Not to exceed 15mph over any points.

If instructed to do so by the pilot you must stop and tell anyone working on or near the line that SLW has been introduced, and the lines over which it applies (or allow the pilotman to tell them if they are travelling with you*).

* If the pilot is travelling with you they may also require you to stop to tell any crossing keeper about the single line working arrangements and check that points are properly secured.

When accompanied by the pilot, on reaching the end of the single line cancel your ticket by writing ‘CANCELLED’ across it and give the ticket to the pilot.

When not accompanied by the pilot you do not need to stop at the end of the single line to give up the ticket unless specially instructed to do so. However, you must as soon as possible, cancel the ticket by writing ‘CANCELLED’ across it, and hand it in before the end of duty.